UBA Opens Opportunity For Its National Essay Competition Champion
4th August 2026
Some opportunities change a moment. Others change a life.
For Sherilyn A. N. Kamara, an exceptional young Sierra Leonean, the journey to one of the world’s most prestigious science forums began with a single essay submitted to the UBA National Essay Competition (NEC) 2024.
The UBA National Essay Competition is one of UBA Foundation’s flagship youth empowerment initiatives, designed to inspire critical thinking, academic excellence, and leadership among senior secondary school students. Beyond rewarding outstanding essays, the competition equips young people with opportunities, exposure, and the confidence to pursue their dreams and become future leaders.
After emerging as the 1st Runner-Up of the 4th UBA National Essay Competition in 2024, Sherilyn earned far more than a prize. She gained a platform that would open doors beyond Sierra Leone and launch her onto the global stage.
Few Weeks ago, Sherilyn made history as Sierra Leone’s first-ever participant at the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF), held at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom. Among 419 outstanding young scientists from across the world, she proudly represented Sierra Leone, demonstrating that with talent, determination, and the right opportunities, young Africans can compete with the very best.
Sherilyn delivered a compelling climate foresight presentation titled “The Cost of Inaction: Imagine a World Without Climate Solutions by 2056,” encouraging participants to reflect on the urgent need for climate action and sustainable solutions.
Her confidence, knowledge, and leadership also earned her another remarkable honour. She was selected as the only representative from Africa and one of just six speakers chosen to serve on the official LIYSF Closing Debate Panel, where she engaged in high-level discussions with some of the brightest young minds from around the globe.
Determined to ensure that the knowledge she gained would benefit Sierra Leone, Sherilyn also built valuable international partnerships that secured air-quality monitoring equipment for the Urban Better Freetown Hub. This achievement will support community-led environmental monitoring and contribute to healthier and more sustainable communities.
Throughout the forum, she gained hands-on exposure to advanced scientific research through academic visits to Oxford University, Cranfield University, and world-class laboratories. She also strengthened her expertise in climate foresight, scientific policy discussions, international collaboration, and science communication skills that she is committed to using to drive meaningful change in Sierra Leone.
Reflecting on her journey, Sherilyn expressed heartfelt gratitude to United Bank for Africa.
“To United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone, thank you for believing in my potential and sponsoring my journey to LIYSF 2026. As the 1st Runner-Up of the 4th UBA National Essay Competition, representing Sierra Leone on this global stage was an honour I carry with immense pride. UBA does not merely award prizes to students, you give us a platform, a voice, and a seat at the table to thrive. You are an institution that truly embodies its commitment to empowering the next generation. Wherever my journey leads, I will always be a proud ambassador of UBA’s vision and excellence.”
Today, Sherilyn returns home with much more than memories. She returns with global networks, fresh ideas, practical solutions, and a renewed commitment to advancing STEM education, climate action, and youth empowerment across Sierra Leone.
Her journey is a powerful testament to what happens when potential meets opportunity. From a national essay competition to representing Sierra Leone on one of the world’s biggest scientific stages, Sherilyn’s story reflects UBA Foundation’s resonate commitment to investing in Africa’s next generation of innovators, thinkers, and leaders.
For every young student with a dream, her story carries a simple but powerful message:
Your future can begin with one opportunity. One essay can open doors to the world. And with determination, excellence, and the right support, there is no limit to what you can achieve.
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